‘3-Screen’ last-second play
From Bob Anderson, head boys coach, Williamsfield High School, Illinois

This play can be used against any zone when you need a last-second shot. Screening against the zone and finding the open shooter are keys to making this play work.

DIAGRAM 1: Keep your bigger players (4 and 5) at the top of the key with your guards in the corners. 2 is featured and your best shooter.

DIAGRAM 2: 1 goes off a screen from 5, and 5 rolls to occupy the middle of the zone. 1 might have an open look off the screen.

DIAGRAM 3: If 1 doesn’t have an open shot, 5 might be open on the roll to the hoop. If 5 is open, send the pass to him or her. Otherwise, 4 sets a screen on the weak side for 2.

DIAGRAM 4: Because the zone usually follows the ball when 1 dribbles off 5’s screen at the start of the play, 2 begins to get open for a 3-pointer after coming off 4’s screen.

DIAGRAM 5: If the zone plays off 3, 1 should pass to 3. If not, then to free up 2 for that 3-pointer, 4 and 5 screen the weak-side defenders, and 1 sends a cross-court pass to 2. 2 should be open for the final shot.